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Posted by Kevan Breitinger May 31, 2006 |
Their melodic tunes bring to mind bands like Brand New, Thrice and Third Eye Blind, while their hopeful new take on old rock feels fresh. That's due at least in part to the work of producer Michael "Elvis" Baskette.
Like so many young bands, the group grew from a teenage friendship. Justin Duque and Paul Erickson bonded over their love of music (Duque grew up listening to his dad's Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith before discovering Smashing Pumpkins, Soundgarden and Nirvana on his own while Erickson honed his skills on the drums). Bass player Alan Clark and singer Matt MacDonald were added to form the group Orizon. Then guitarist Robbie Negrin came onboard, just as a name change seemed in order.
But why Classic Crime? "History is filled with heroes that made the ultimate sacrifice and martyrs who died for their cause," the band says. "Whether their actions were viewed as 'criminal' in their day was irrelevant. From those fighting against injustice to those who stood up for the folks who don't fit in, dying for one's beliefs or one's art is the Classic Crime." Whether the moniker makes sense to you or not, though, what is clear is the band's desire for their music to serve as inspiration. "We want to inspire hope in other people who have dreams, doubts, and struggles," MacDonald says.
This is not just music. This is hope. This is not just a band. This is a mission. This is an attempt to fill the void for a generation feeling detached, overlooked and phenomenally misunderstood. The Classic Crime takes you on a journey through pain and redemption, leaving the searching soul with hope for something better.